How did the Spanish conquer and colonize the Americas?
Spain shifted strategies after the military expeditions wove their way through the southern and western half of North America. Missions became the engine of colonization in North America. Missionaries, most of whom were members of the Franciscan religious order, provided Spain with an advance guard in North America.
How did most Spanish colonies in Latin America gain independence?
The Peninsular War with France, which resulted from the Napoleonic occupation of Spain, caused Spanish Creoles in Spanish America to question their allegiance to Spain, stoking independence movements that culminated in various Spanish American wars of independence (1808–33), which were primarily fought between opposing …
What countries tried to colonize Latin America and why?
Although most of Latin America was colonized by Spain, the countries of Portugal and France also had major influences on the region. Due to war and disease, native populations were decimated. The European countries’ demand for free labor led them to engage in the African slave trade.
When did Spain colonize Central and South America?
1492
Beginning with Columbus in 1492 and continuing for nearly 350 years, Spain conquered and settled most of South America, the Caribbean, and the American Southwest.
Where did the Spanish colonize in the Americas?
The first European countries to begin colonizing the Americas were Spain and Portugal. Spain claimed and settled Mexico, most of Central and South America, several islands in the Caribbean, and what are now Florida, California, and the Southwest region of the United States.
Why did the Spanish want to colonize the Americas?
Motivations for colonization: Spain’s colonization goals were to extract gold and silver from the Americas, to stimulate the Spanish economy and make Spain a more powerful country. Spain also aimed to convert Native Americans to Christianity.
What Latin American countries gained independence from Spain?
Latin American Independence Days
| Country | Independence |
|---|---|
| Honduras | 15 September 1821 (from Spain) |
| Mexico | 16 September 1810 (from Spain) |
| Nicaragua | 15 September 1821 (from Spain) |
| Panama | 3 November 1903 (from Colombia; became independent from Spain 28 November 1821) |
How many countries gained independence from Spain?
Many of the continent’s 12 independent countries gained their freedom from European rulers in the months of July, August, or September, typically between the years of 1810-1825.
Why did Spain colonize America?
What are two reasons that the Spanish and French colonized America?
Spain colonized America because they were searching for gold and silver. They did find a lot of gold and silver when they conquered the Aztec and Inca Empires. France colonized North America because of the great amount of furs they found there.
What are the countries colonized by Spain?
Former Spanish Colonies of the World
| Rank | Former Spanish Colonies | Year Independence from Spain |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Argentina | 1818 |
| 2 | Belgium | 1714 (remained part of the Netherlands until 1831) |
| 3 | Belize | 1981 |
| 4 | Bolivia | 1809 |
How did Spanish colonization affect Central America?
Colonial economy and society Spain encouraged the mining of precious metals, but Central American deposits were thin, and agriculture came to dominate the economy of the colony.
Where did Portugal and Spain colonize Latin America?
Portugal would take the eastern lands, which included Brazil, while Spain would take those to the west. Latin America, a region of South and Central America and the Caribbean where Spanish and Portuguese are spoken, was colonized by various European countries beginning in the 15th century.
Why is the colonial period important to Latin America?
Each and every period of its history is crucial in some way to understanding the present-day character of the land. Even so, the Colonial Period (1492-1810) stands out as being the era that did the most to shape what Latin America is today. There are six things you need to know about the Colonial Era.
When did the Spanish Empire begin its interest in the Americas?
The Spanish Empire began its interest in the Americas upon the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Caribbean in 1492. The empire stretched across the Caribbean Islands, North America, Central America, and half of South America.
What are some examples of European colonies in Latin America?
Other French colonies in the region included Haiti, which operated as a wealthy slave colony known as Saint-Domingue. Latin America, a region of South and Central America and the Caribbean where Spanish and Portuguese are spoken, was colonized by various European countries beginning in the 15th century.